Thirty Years of Empowerment
Mukti Mission established its first Orchard Project, Nutmeg in 1993, as a pilot project to assist local tribal girls and boys. The region was known for extreme poverty, alcoholism, illiteracy, and exploitation by rich landlords and moneylenders, making the children vulnerable to abuse. Orchard Projects are standalone facilities offering residential and care-for-a-day hope for children in India’s impoverished regions.
The home was set up following Mukti’s Founder, Pandita Ramabai’s vision of “Christ-centered homes where destitute women and children, irrespective of their background, are accepted, cared for, transformed and empowered to be salt and light in their society.”
On May 4, 2023, the Mukti’s Management Team and Nutmeg’s leadership held an anniversary celebration for 30 years of God’s faithfulness. A report detailing the activities and impact of the project since its inception was shared with the audience. This included the achievements of the boys and girls from 1993 to the present. Former students shared their testimonies and experiences and how Mukti had shaped them into who they became. Here is Ramesh’s* story in his own words. He is a former resident of Nutmeg.
Greetings to one and all at Mukti Mission. In my family we are six, I have two brothers and their wives. They are all uneducated, only my mother knows the Lord Jesus. My village is twenty kilometers away where 89% of the people are uneducated. 100% people work in farms and whatever money they get from it they use for their needs. We do not have electricity, no water facility, but I am really happy that people have chosen the Lord Jesus. Mukti has look after me and I have finished my B.Com and I look forward to continuing my studies. I got admitted into this course without paying any extra fees. If I were in the family I think it will be very difficult to get an education. In between 2006 and 2007, I had a brain tumor and for this Mukti had helped me. They prayed for my treatment which was impossible for my family and for that I am very grateful to Mukti Mission. And still they are helping me and providing for my needs. Through Mukti Mission I have stepped into a new life, because I found the one faithful and living God in Mukti. Today whatever I am, it’s all because of Him. Whenever I used to go to my village for vacation, I observe that if I were in my village I would have never got an opportunity to get education and I would not be different from the villagers in any way and I would never have found the Lord Jesus. Whenever I look at them, I give thanks to the lord for making me different from them. Mukti provides all my needs and then I am really happy that I found the living Lord.
Today, Ramesh is the supervisor of Orchard Project Nutmeg.
As the first of Mukti’s Orchard Projects, Nutmeg faced weighted expectations. Many people were watching to see how it would help the children. After thirty years it can be reported that over two hundred children have passed through the doors of Nutmeg.
Each child received the care necessary to become independent in the world away from Mukti. The graduation rate from high school has been excellent with over 97% graduating and over 77% going on to further education. Many have taken up jobs in the Civil Service sector, while others have become teachers, nurses, a few pharmacists, government workers, politicians, and one pastor.
Through the thirty years since Nutmeg opened, Mukti has established other Orchard Projects with similar results. Orchard Project Cherry was started in 2001 to reach another tribal group. The group’s main occupation was as farm laborers and woodcutters, and to supplement the income of the family, children as young as 11 had to go to work, thus canceling any chance for them to get an education. Cherry has been able to bridge this gap and bring health and education to the families of this region.
More Orchard Projects were established through the years, most recently including Lantana for boys. This home is considered a ray of hope by the local community, especially the mothers, who rejoice in seeing their children growing up and succeeding in life. By the time this is published, Orchard Project Nimboo will be the newest home for girls in a region where prostitution and trafficking are dangerous pitfalls for girls.
The significant highlight and outcome of the Orchard Projects is that the children are educated to the post-graduation level. They are enabled to soar to greater heights in their education, physical health, and social life. The impact of the project extends to the families, as children have been able to share the love of God with them. There is a significant decrease in crime, alcoholism, and family violence, and a rise in nutritional levels in their communities.
Today, Mukti Mission has eight residential homes and four daycare centers in six states of India, where over 725 children are under the Mission’s care.
*Names have been changed for privacy and security. Images are representative.
